We are working with an industry leading manufacturer in the
Jacksonville, ILarea seeking a transformative
Production Managerto spearhead a comprehensive turnaround of their facility. You will be the primary architect of a cultural shift, moving the facility from a reactive, underperforming state to a proactive, high-output center of excellence. The ideal candidate possesses a "fixer" mindset-someone who can identify systemic bottlenecks, earn the trust of a skeptical workforce, and implement Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to drive productivity gains.
Key ResponsibilitiesCultural Transformation & Leadership- Reset the Standard:Establish a culture of accountability, safety, and pride; break down "silo" mentalities and foster open communication between the shop floor and management.
- Change Management:Lead the facility through the discomfort of new processes, using high-touch engagement to minimize resistance.
- Talent Development:Assess the current team, identifying "culture champions" to promote and addressing performance gaps decisively.
Operational Excellence & Productivity- Process Overhaul:Audit existing workflows to eliminate waste (Muda) and optimize throughput using Lean manufacturing principles.
- KPI Ownership:Define and track aggressive targets for OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Scrap Rates, Labor Efficiency, and On-Time Delivery.
- Root Cause Analysis:Move the facility from "firefighting" to systemic problem-solving by implementing rigorous 5-Whys or Fishbone analysis for recurring failures.
Strategic Turnaround- Resource Optimization:Realign shift structures and maintenance schedules to maximize machine uptime and labor utilization.
- Budgetary Control:Manage CAPEX and OPEX with a focus on high-ROI improvements that directly impact the bottom line.
Required Qualifications- Experience:7-10 years in manufacturing management, with aproven track recordof leading at least one successful facility turnaround or major culture shift.
- Education:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (MBA or Master's preferred).
- Certifications:Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Sensei certification is highly desirable.
- Floor Presence:Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build rapport with both frontline technicians and executive leadership.
- Technical Proficiency:Deep understanding of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision-making in a high-pressure environment.
#jdp